2007 News

August 14 , 2007

Commissioners Introduce Bucks County Open Space II Education Committee Leadership
Hon. William Hart Rufe III Joins Former Commissioners Andrew Warren And Michael G. Fitzpatrick For Non-Partisan Venture

During a picturesque ceremony this afternoon that showcased the pastoral beauty of Bucks County’s preserved farms and open spaces, the Bucks County Board of Commissioners introduced three individuals that will assume the responsibility for leading the effort to educate county residents about a proposed $87 million referendum for the November, 2007 General Election.

Hon. William Hart Rufe III is the chairman of the Heritage Conservancy, and also served as vice-chairman of the Open Space Task Force II, which recommended an $87 million 10-year borrowing during June, 2007. Former Commissioner Andrew Warren served the Bucks County board Jan., 1980 through April 1995, during which time the county Agricultural Preservation program had its 1989 genesis. Former Congressman and Commissioner Michael G. Fitzpatrick served the commissioners’ board from 1995-2005, during which time county voters passed a May, 1997 referendum to borrow $59 million to preserve farmland, county  parkland, municipal open space and natural areas.

The breakdown of the four components of the 1997 referendum were as follows: farmland, $13.5 million; county parkland, $16.5 million; municipal open space, $20.0 million; natural areas, $9.0 million.

Bucks County’s Open Space Task Force II, which was chaired by Bensalem’s Tony Belfield, has recommended the following components for the proposed $87 million Nov., 2007 referendum: farmland, $25 million; natural areas, $11 million; county parkland, $18 million; municipal open space, $26 million; Delaware Riverfront, $7 million.

To view the entire Open Space Task Force II report, please click here